Schools in the region have been taking part in the School Streets Initiative wherein Local Authorities work together with educators to restrict roads surrounding schools in order to tackle traffic, air pollution, road danger and poor health.
A healthier, safer school environment
Across the country, schools have been engaging with the Initiative with the pilot of School Streets in Camden back in August 2016. The School Streets programme is run by Sustrans and has been called many names such as Healthy School Streets and Car-Free School Streets’ and used alongside campaigns and awareness days promoting biking to school and healthy lifestyles.
Hostpur Primary School in Newcastle took part in School Streets, with Head Teacher Kevin McVittie stating that the scheme was a complete success which featured in both local and national press. Kevin waited outside the school gates all week to greet parents and commented:
“It has been such a pleasure to see so many of you cycling or scooting along the road with the knowledge that we have taken steps to make this final part of your journey safer. The bike shed and scooter storage units have been overflowing as active-journey numbers have swelled. The feedback I have received from parents and carers, residents and even passers-by has been overwhelmingly positive demonstrating a noticeable impact. A number of parents shared that the reduction in traffic congestion outside of the school gates has made their school-run experience more stress-free. All of the benefits mentioned help our children to make the best possible start to their day.
Kevin further explained that the calmer start of the day provided his students with a happier and healthier morning routine. The launch of the scheme coincided with ‘Clean Air Day’ making it the perfect opportunity to educate students on the impact of congestion and air pollution due to traffic. Radio Newcastle host Alfie Joey hosted his breakfast show from Mowbray Street amongst other journalists to witness the cutting of the ribbon by the schools ‘eco-warriors’.
Sustrans School Streets Officer in the North East, Ali Stansfield stated:
“We’re thrilled to be working with children and families in Newcastle to help them make happier, healthier, safer journeys to school. The first School Street at Hotspur Primary School has been a great success. We’re seeing far more families travelling actively already and children are telling us that they now feel much calmer and ready to learn when they arrive at school. We’re looking forward to working with Newcastle City Council to roll out further School Street schemes across the city.”
While local residents could be concerned by the idea of road closures and the consequences of diverting traffic, Hotspur Primary’s trial of School Streets last week went through successfully, which will most likely lead to more schools getting involved.
The future of School Streets for the North
Following the success of Hotspur, Chillingham Road Primary School is set to close Ninth Avenue for a day. On the 22nd of September, the road will be closed by the Council on the 22nd of September for World Car Free Day. This closure will take place all day rather than just during the school run.
Chillingham Road went that extra mile in preparation for their School Street plan creating a Manifesto by their ‘School Street Stars’ where they stated their aims which include the temporary street closure, planters on pavements to stop dangerous parking, artwork to cheer up the graffiti, a ‘park and stride’ plan for those who had no option but to drive and a hope for cycle lanes. Chillingham released data on methods of transport compared to the national average and also made an action plan including aims such as ‘get more people biking and scooting’, ‘learning more about active travel and environment’ and ‘build bridges in our community’.
Newcastle City Council is working with schools and Northumbria Police to continue the programme in their area. The Council stated that they have wanted to launch Schools Streets before now but ‘haven’t been given the same powers as places like London, so need to rely on support from the police’.
Director of Schools North East, Chris Zarraga, commented:
“We are pleased to see the Schools Streets initiative run in Newcastle and hope it to be offered to more schools across the region. North East schools should be given the same opportunities as those in other areas of the country. It is brilliant to see the national recognition received for Hotspur Primary and we eagerly wait to see how the programme grows within the region.”
To find out more information about the Sustrans School Streets initiative click here: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/for-professionals/education/
If your school would like to speak to Newcastle Council about joining the scheme you can email schoolstreets@newcastle.gov.uk or phone 0191 278 2767.
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